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A two-month investigation began after police noticed an increase in shoplifting cases at the Norwood Kroger. Walmart was another business frequently hit by thieves. Company investigators, along with police, kept a close watch.

The operation was described as a multi-million dollar scheme happening nationwide.

“Eventually, we developed a lead on where these products were ending up and it is all based on the drug trade. People addicted to drugs need to get money somewhere and this turnaround of stolen goods is a good way to make money for them,” Murphy said.

The Sherman Market and McKiddy Automotive are two places police described as fencing operations. Police said McKiddy was often referred to as the heroin pawn shop. The $7,000-worth of stolen items included everything from cellphones to cigarettes to energy drinks and DVDs.

Fandi Tahat, 59, Ayham Odeh, 35, and Wendell McKiddy, 58, were arrested and booked into the Hamilton County Jail.

Tahat was charged with one count of receiving stolen property; Odeh was charged with three counts of receiving stolen property and McKiddy was charged with seven counts of receiving stolen property.